Hot Links: Jack Payrolls, NASCAR, and Naked Gnomes

The Arizona Auditor General's Office says the Maricopa County Community College District illegally put 26 non-employees on its payroll. The move created taxpayer-funded pension accounts and money for nonprofit organizations, which officials say violates the state's ban on giving public funds to corporations...NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Mears were put on probation for the next six races, after they intentionally bumped cars at the end of the Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway...A Gilbert man was arrested on Tuesday afternoon for allegedly beating a woman and threatening to kill her. Police say they believe the suspect, Christopher McNutt, was armed with an assault rifle after the incident...An Ahwatukee man named Gino Callirgos-Lertora was arrested for allegedly approaching an 11-year-old girl while she waited for a school bus, grabbing his crotch, and asking her to look...Following the fatal shooting of a mobile radar unit employee, American Traffic Solutions has suspended the use of mobile units across the state, pending a review of safety procedures...A British woman was asked by neighbors to put some clothes on her garden gnomes after children in the neighborhood allegedly complained. Two naked gnomes have been in front of the woman's house for 15 years, but they're now wearing T-shirts.

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Niki D'Andrea has covered subjects including drug culture, women's basketball, pirate radio stations, Scottsdale staycations, and fine wine. She has worked at both New Times and PHOENIX magazine, and is now a full-time freelancer.